I remember cool summer nights lying in bed with the window open reading Nancy Drew or the Little House series (for the umpteenth time). My cousin Kelly spent at least a month with us every summer, and she and I would read for hours. When the last page was turned, I would drop the book to the floor and reach for Kelly's latest discard. She would do the same.
During those summers I also spent at least two weeks with my grandparents at their cottage in the woods outside Kalkaska, Michigan. They didn't have electricity, so reading and playing cards provided our entertainment. Each week we would make a trip to the local library, and I would come home with a stack of books to read. On many a night my grandfather would read aloud to me. To this day his voice embodies Winne-the-Pooh for me (of the A.A. Milne variety, not Disney's interpretation).
I don't read much now. Or rather I read in spurts. I will devour three novels in a week and then abstain from reading for three months. It's as though I have forgotten how much I love to read--how immersing myself in the fantasy of another life is so delicious. Buying books was always a luxury in which I indulged, and I'm afraid to say that the last book I bought was for Grace's preschool teacher.
So my friends of the internet, what are you reading? What do you recommend this summer? Do you still read or have you fallen into the trap of reading non-fiction parenting books or only blogs (as I have)? If you had only three books you could read for the next ten years (I won't say for your life), what would they be?
As always, you non-commenters can send me an email.
5 comments:
There is a free website called shelfari.com that attempts to accomplish exactly what you mention on your blog. I joined, but have not yet updated my page. (I havent been reading, either!) The site allows you to put books on your virtual shelf, post reviews, read reviews, see what is "hot," see what your friends are reading, etc. Sounds good, in theory! Let me know if you give it a try.
click on the goodreads widget on the left side of my blog. I'm a book-a-holic. I buy them, read them, trade them, share them with my family members. It's a real problem. I've outgrown all of my bookshelves.
I read what I guess would be qualified as chick-lit... but it's not trash.
Some recent favorites are: "Garden Spells" by Sarah Addison Allen, "Comfort Food" and "The Friday Night Knitting Club" by Kate Jacobs, "Love Walked In" by Marisa de los Santos (THIS IS A GREAT ONE... I even blogged about it!), "Beneath a Marble Sky" by John Shors, "The Last Girls" by Lee Smith. Non chick lit, but kind of a heavy read... "Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson was wonderful.
That should get you through the summer, if not the rest of the year. Let me know if you actually read any of these! I love to hear what other people think of books!
I used to be a avid reader as a teen, but things change. Recently, I decided to try books of short stories, and that has worked well for me. That way I can get in a quick adventure while the kids are napping or in the evening.
"Possible Side Effects" by Augusten Burroughs was pretty funny. Chris enjoyed it too. Sadly, my last trip to the library only yielded books about Curious George and planets. I hope to find another book soon :).
Here are a few - Middlesex, The Kite Runner, The Glass Castle, Night. I liked all of the Boleyn books - they made a movie out of one - they are interesting history wise even though it is fiction, they are a little trashy but I still enjoy them. Right now I am reading fast NYT Best sellers that Andy has read so that we can get rid of them. I have more but I need to check my bookshelf.
One more - Moloka'i. These books aren't exactly uplifting but I enjoy them.
A couple of my favorite books draw from academic life and are hilarious. One is _Straight Man_ by Richard Russo. (I like all of his books, but that's my fave.) The other I'd recommend is _Moo_ by Jane Smiley. (she, too has other great books). Is good to hear others go through dry spells. I've had one this past winter/spring. Thanks for your blog. I love your writing & stories.
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